“This is a imprint, which is illegal and legally non -existent,” said Serres and Secretary of International Relations and EU New Democracy, Mr. Tasos Hatzivasiliou; On the new marine maps of Turkeyin an interview with ERT. As he pointed out, Ankara’s unilateral claims have no basis in international law and do not produce any legal effect.
Mr Hadjivasiliou analyzed the key points of Turkish mapping, noting that “he is presenting Turkey’s hell position that the islands are not pretentious in marine zones, which is completely incompatible with international law”. Special reference made to the Castellorizelwhich – as he pointed out – “is essentially surrounded by any maritime zone except its territorial waters”, with the aim of isolating it from the rest of the Dodecanese.
At the same time, he pointed out that Turkey “Incorrectly engraved marine parks in international waters, while not having the right to do this – not just the Turkeyno country” As he explained, the maritime parks “impose restrictions on activities, fishing, navigation”, and when planned arbitrarily planned, as in the case of the area between Lemnos and Imbros, they include as a possible objective “preventing the free passage of ships from the Aegean to the Black Sea”. If Turkey was theoretically implementing this, he warned, “he would find the whole international community against it.”
Mr. Hadjivasiliou also noted that the Turkish map “does not include the imprinting of the unacceptable theory of gray zones that Turkey has for the Aegean“, Because – as he said -” everyone would consider it too much “and such an attempt” would cause a great reaction “. Reiterated that ‘The situation in the Aegean has been determined for decades by international conditions“And how the Turkish theories” stand anywhere “.
In the same interview, he also referred to the Migration to Turkey -Italy -Libya trilateralstressing that Greece was not surprised. On the contrary, “Greece had been informed of this initiative”, while noting that “migration is a European challenge that needs a European response”. Criticizing unilateral initiatives, he stressed that “it is not good for European forces to break down and try to find Modus vivendi, modus operandi with third parties.” Emphasized that ”Libya’s natural gateway to Europe is GreeceA ‘and’Any financial support from Europe will be compulsorily passed through Athens».
Asked about Libya and the role of Greece, he replied: “Greece has been involved in Libya from the first moment. The government has properly taken actions, as far as possible, as Libya is a dissolved country with constant civil strife. ” Recalled that the Greece «remains a pillar of stability that talks to everyone“, Seeking” Determination of Maritime Zones “. As he said, “we are always here, the expressors of legitimacy, while others are essentially usurpers of the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Answering a question about developments in the Middle East, the New Democracy MP made it clear: “Another Hamas and another is Palestine. And at the same time Israel has the right to its own self -defense. ” At the same time, he underlined that ‘at the moment In Gaza there is a humanitarian tragedy“, Noting that” the international community calls on Israel to observe humanitarian law – so does Greece. ” He also commented that “the plans with Hamas’s backed Israeli hostages create negative emotions” as “No civilized man can accept that there are prisoners under these conditions in the 21st century».
Insisting on the need for diplomatic resolution of the crisis, he stressed: “The debate between the two sides must begin in some way, with the ultimate goal of solving two states within the ’67. The project is difficult, but there is unfortunately no other way. “
In closing, he also referred to the case of Albania, saying that “Athens reacted strongly” to the unacceptable maps that had been presented. As he made clear, Greece has sent a message to Tirana that their European course “is compulsorily passed by relations with Greece” and “respect for the rights of the Greek national minority”.